ThurSTORY 2025-2026 by Linda Moreen

01: "Tear This Down" by Barbara Dee

lmoreen1 — 2025-09-25 18:36:14 UTC

Hi Middle School! In this first episode of ThurSTORY, I’m excited to share a new book called "Tear This Down" by Barbara Dee, who also wrote "Maybe He Just Likes You." If you're in Ms. Schoettle's 7th grade TED Talk class, this book might be especially relevant for you. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

lmoreen1 — 2025-09-25 18:41:31 UTC

02: "How to Draw a Secret" by Cindy Chang (Graphic Novel)

lmoreen1 — 2025-09-25 18:45:07 UTC

In this video, I share my thoughts on a graphic novel I'm currently enjoying called "How to Draw a Secret." It's an autobiographical, non-fiction story about a middle schooler in San Francisco dealing with family secrets after her dad unexpectedly leaves for Taiwan. The narrative explores themes of family, love, and the complexities of growing up as the youngest sister in a household of women. I highly recommend this book for its beautiful illustrations and relatable characters. I encourage you to check it out and reflect on what family means to you.

lmoreen1 — 2025-09-25 18:46:37 UTC

Hey everyone! In this video, I'm excited to share my thoughts on a fantasy book I'm currently reading called "Neshama" by Marcella Pixley. It's a novel in verse about a middle school girl named Anna who struggles to fit in at school, partially because she insists that she sees ghosts. When she spends time with her Bubbe, she meets a specific ghost, named Ruthie, and their relationship leads her to uncover family secrets. As her relationship with Ruthie deepens, Anna and her family must grapple with reconciliation, what it means to speak about the unspoken, and how a family can heal together.

04: "The Door is Open," Edited by Hena Khan (Short Stories)

lmoreen1 — 2025-10-09 14:07:44 UTC

Hey everyone! In this week's edition of ThursSTORY, I'm excited to highlight a short story collection called "The Door is Open," which is perfect for commemorating Diwali next week. The first story features an Indian American middle schooler named Chaya, who is an exceptional chess player navigating a tournament filled with male competitors. I highly recommend checking it out, as each story offers a unique perspective from different authors. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comparing notes!

05: "Rise of the Spider" by Michael P. Spradlin (Historical Fiction)

lmoreen1 — 2025-10-23 17:21:45 UTC

Hi Middle School! In this week's edition of ThurSTORY, Ms. Schoettle guest reviews an historical fiction book called "Rise of the Spider." It is the first in a series situated during Hitler's rise to power and tells the story of events preceding the Holocaust. Thanks, Ms. Schoettle!

06: "Chickenpox" by Remy Lai (Graphic Novel)

lmoreen1 — 2025-10-30 15:57:50 UTC

Hi Middle School! In this week's episode, I'm sharing a graphic novel called "Chickenpox" about a middle schooler, Abby, who get stuck at home with her four younger siblings while quarantining with Chickenpox. Abby goes through so many feelings while at home - missing school, family drama, friend drama - and it's neat to see how the author and illustrator portrays all of these things through the format of a graphic novel. Enjoy!

07: "The Girl Who Couldn't Lie" by Radhika Sanghani (Humor)

lmoreen1 — 2025-11-06 16:16:39 UTC

In this episode of ThurSTORY, I share a book about Priya, a middle schooler who has a bangle stuck on her wrist that makes her constantly say what's on her mind in all situations. This has serious and also very funny implications for the days that follow. Enjoy!

08: "Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids" edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Short Stories)

lmoreen1 — 2025-11-13 18:34:52 UTC

Hi Middle School! In recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November, I share a short story anthology about young adults engaging with their Native American heritage. There are poems, there are stories, there are descriptions, feelings, and experiences that are universal to anyone relating to their traditions. Enjoy!

09: "Coach" by Jason Reynolds (Realistic Fiction)

lmoreen1 — 2025-12-04 16:42:16 UTC

Hi Middle School! In this week's episode, I recommend the newest book by Jason Reynolds, called "Coach." If you loved the "Track" series, this book tells the story of Coach Otie's childhood. I highly recommend it for a relatable read. Enjoy!

10: "Mindworks" by Neal Shusterman (Science Fiction)

lmoreen1 — 2025-12-11 17:03:49 UTC

Hi Middle School! In this week's episode, I recommend a new collection of short stories by the author of the Scythe series, called "Mindworks." It is a book containing short stories over a wide range of topics within the Science Fiction genre, so you can pick and choose what most appeals. I love this format and also this author - I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

11: "Confessions of a Junior Spy" by Rosaria Munda (Adventure)

lmoreen1 — 2026-01-08 15:12:16 UTC

Hi Middle School! In this week's episode, I recommend a new action-packed spy series that follows middle-schooler Beatrice and the tension she faces between a desire to join a familiar international spy organization, and her Momma's desire for her to attend a "normals" boarding school. Fans of Stuart Gibbs may especially enjoy this series. Enjoy!

12: "Martin Luther King Jr." by Laurie Calkhoven (Biography - DK Life Stories Series)

lmoreen1 — 2026-01-15 16:42:33 UTC

Hi Middle School! In this week's episode, I recommend a biography of Martin Luther King Jr., and with it, a fantastic series of biographies called "DK Life Stories." The biography has many key text features which enhance the reader's understanding of the significance of MLK Jr.'s life. I know this book may look familiar to the 5th graders! Enjoy!

13: "Three Blue Hearts" by Lynne Kelly (Realistic)

lmoreen1 — 2026-01-22 18:29:48 UTC

Hi Middle School! In this week's episode, I recommend a realistic fiction book for fans interested in animals, animal rescue, and zoology. It's the tale of a middle schooler, Max, finding his own voice with this passion of his - whether or not his parents support him! Can't wait to hear what you think!

14: "It's All or Nothing, Vale" by Andrea Beatriz Arango (Realistic)

lmoreen1 — 2026-02-05 17:23:06 UTC

Hi Middle School! In this week's episode, in the spirit of the Olympics beginning tomorrow, I recommend a novel-in-verse, realistic novel about an athlete who faces challenges and uses recovery to question her interests and identity. Happy reading!

15: "The Other Side of Imani" by Lisa Springer

lmoreen1 — 2026-02-19 16:26:16 UTC

In this video, I share my thoughts on the realistic fiction novel "The Other Side of Imani." I enjoyed reading about Imani's passion for fashion design and how she navigated difficult situations all coming to a head in the final design competition at her school. Let me know your thoughts!

16: "On Again, Awkward Again" by Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwama Mbalia (Romance - Realistic)

lmoreen1 — 2026-03-05 15:25:44 UTC

Hi Middle School! In this video I share a really funny, cute, and awkward(!) rom-com about two 9th graders who meet in the nurses office and explore the possibility romance from there. I look forward to hearing what you think!